Niagara Jazz Festival Presents: Summer Mardi Gras

Niagara Parks, in partnership with the Niagara Jazz Festival, presented by TD Ready Commitment, is bringing the soulful spirit of New Orleans to Oakes Garden Theatre with Summer Mardi Gras.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, this high-energy outdoor celebration is where music, culture and community come together for one unforgettable night under the stars. Come for the music, stay for the vibes!

You don’t want to miss this vibrant evening of live jazz, brass beats and Mardi Gras magic. 

The Niagara Jazz Festival, presented by TD Ready Commitment, is an award-winning not-for-profit music festival dedicated to celebrating jazz and world music. The year-round festival, now it its 12th season, aims to inspire, educate and develop jazz audiences by combining live music with an immersive Niagara experience including food, wine, culture, attractions and natural wonders.

This year's line up includes:

Red Hot Ramble

Pianist and vocalist Roberta Hunt, formerly of Toronto’s legendary traditional jazz band The Happy Pals, joined forces with fellow musicians Glenn and Jack—alumni of Big Rude Jake’s jump/blues band—alongside rising sax star Alison Young. Their musical chemistry sparked the creation of Red Hot Ramble, a band blending traditional jazz, blues, funk,  and New Orleans-style second lines, with a Canadian twist. With the addition of trombonist Jamie Stager, they became a dynamic quintet known for high-energy shows that get audiences dancing, singing, and celebrating life. As they say in Louisiana: Come as you are, leave different. 

The Heavyweights Brass Band

The Heavyweights Brass Band (HWBB) is a Toronto-based powerhouse delivering high-energy, New Orleans-inspired grooves with a unique blend of original tunes and bold covers. Known for bringing crowds to their feet, this virtuosic quintet has toured widely, sharing stages with legends like Trombone Shorty and The Roots, and collaborating with icons such as Giovanni Hidalgo and members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Whether in clubs, theatres, or on screen, HWBB brings feel-good energy that hits hard and leaves audiences wanting more.

Jazz 4 the Ages Youth Band: Quibble Quartet. Plus special guests from New Orleans

Get your now and take advantage of the Early Bird Special!

*Note: This is an outdoor event, please dress for a variety of weather conditions. For added comfort, audience members are also welcome to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.